Public safety seemed to be the theme of the night at the July 26 board of commissioners’ meeting in the borough.
During department head reports, Police Chief Jason Cutler said his force recouped two stolen vehicles and encouraged Kia and Hyundai car owners to be aware that 2011 to 2022 models are theft targets because a nationwide immobilizer issue makes it easy to start them without a key in the ignition.
Hyundai and Kia dealers are offering free software upgrades and steering wheel locks to prevent vehicle theft.
The commissioners then passed on second reading what Mayor Colleen Bianco Bezich is referring to as the “Better Biking” legislation, an update of biking rules and regulations that allows officers to impound bikes if they are being misused or left on sidewalks, among other policing measures.
The legislation also addresses skateboards or similar vehicles on public sidewalks in the downtown district, including Kings Court and Hadrosaurus Lane, formerly Lantern Lane. Riders should instead walk their bikes in these areas, which will have signs posted regarding the rules.
“If you’re a pro biker or someone who athletically trains for cycling, we’re not talking about you, we’re talking about the trick riding, the weaving, the blocking of sidewalks, the running over of pedestrians, those with wheelchairs, walkers and strollers,” the mayor noted.
“ … This is generally aimed at teens and tweens who take over the safe sidewalks for pedestrians and dump their bikes on the sidewalk.”
In the past, rule breakers would simply disperse or move to another area. But the updated ordinance gives officers the ability to impound the bikes (or scooters or devices similar to bikes) immediately. If the bike isn’t claimed at the police department, it may go into storage at $25 per day. After 30 days, the borough can auction it off.
The commissioners also passed on second reading an updated vehicles and traffic ordinance that allows residents without driveways or non-street parking to get their first property permit without a fee rather than paying for all of them.
It also specifies hours for metered parking – 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. from Monday through Friday – and beginning Friday, Sept. 1, metered parking will be in operation daily from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. except on Sunday.
In other updates, the commissioners also passed on second reading the $3.25-million bond ordinance settlement for 2 Hopkins Lane LLC, former Bancroft redevelopers.
The next commissioners meeting is Monday at 6 p.m.
